The Presiding Bishop of the Antiochian Orthodox Catholic Church, Rt. Rev. Jacinto Kibuuka, on Sunday ordained one priest and eight deacons during a ceremony held at Mamre International Prayer Centre in Namugongo Janda, Kira Municipality, Wakiso District. The ordination was accompanied by a strong and critical message condemning the increasing commercialization of politics in Uganda.
Among those ordained was Emmanuel Okiria, who was elevated to the priesthood. The newly ordained deacons include Alex Senyondo, Joakim Ojok, Jerald Ongara, Emmanuel Othi, Dominic Amanzuruku, Julian Wawa, George W. Magaja, and Abel Natale Amaza. The ordinands hail from various dioceses including Kampala, Wakiso, Nebbi, Adjumani, Gulu, Lira, and Soroti.
In his homily, Bishop Kibuuka expressed grave concern over the growing influence of money in politics, warning that it poses a serious threat to national development and ethical leadership.
“The commercialization of politics leads to bad governance and leadership,” Bishop Kibuuka said. “When people attain office through money, they often lack the competence to lead. They prioritize repaying debts over serving citizens, which erodes accountability, undermines democracy, and promotes corruption and criminality. If not stopped, it will cripple our country.”
He challenged the newly ordained clergy to be voices of truth and justice in their communities, calling on them to resist societal evils—including the corruption of politics—through prayer, wisdom, and fearless advocacy.
“Dear clergy, you are called to face these challenges through prayer. God has given you the gift of wisdom to advise leaders and bring them back to the right path. Do not fear, for God ordained you for such a time as this. You are chosen to speak out against the vices in our nations, communities, homes, and hearts—to uproot, tear down, destroy, and overthrow what is evil, and to build and plant what is good,” he said.
Bishop Kibuuka also reminded them of their sacred role, referencing the Book of Hebrews:
“As it is written, God chooses you from among the people to represent them—to preach, to pray, and to stand in the gap between them and God.”
He further urged both the clergy and the public to support constructive and developmental government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model and Emyooga, emphasizing the importance of community empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the newly ordained, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Okiria expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Church, clergy, family, and friends for their unwavering support.
“We are grateful for the love and prayers that have brought us to this point. We ask you to continue praying for us, as this is only the beginning of our spiritual journey—and of the battles we must now face,” he said.
